07/25/2007
Rupert Everett Comes Down on Gay Parenting
Rupert Everett has been quoted by Britain's Daily Express as saying he doesn't believe that gay men would make fit adoptive parents:
"Oh God, I could never do that to a child. Can you imagine what it would be like, having your two dads coming to school speech days? And hearing those awful queeny rows while you are trying to get to sleep?"
The Arizona Republic also notes he has a low opinion of his potential for being a decent father: "I love kids. I have 10 godchildren. But I'm not a very good godfather. I'm not good at remembering birthdays. I don't believe in Father's Day or Mother's Day. I don't even like Christmas - I find it all a bit sick. People are emotionally tricked into spending so much money. So I don't think I will adopt. I don't think it's for me."
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Posted 10:28 AM EST by Andy in Gay Adoption, Gay Parents, News, Rupert Everett | Permalink
Comments
So in other words his logic = if he as a gay man was a horrible car driver then ALL gay men are horrible car drivers.
His logic is very faulty. He is also arrogant and self absorbed to think that he is the living embodiment of all gay men.
Posted by: anon | Jul 25, 2007 10:37:34 AM
Since I am not yet a shrill, identity-politics-obsessed, humorless nutcase, I thought his first comment was funny.
I agree with his second comment about commercialization of holidays is lame. And good for him for being self-aware enough of his feelings and capacities to self-select out of the adoption option.
Next...
Posted by: becks07 | Jul 25, 2007 10:43:47 AM
*THAT* commercialization of holidays is lame.
Andy, for your birthday, I am going to get you the ability to edit posts on Towleroad :-)
Posted by: Becks07 | Jul 25, 2007 10:45:14 AM
Ruperet Everett doesn't make a good parent.... doesn't make a good actor... doesn't make much sense.
Posted by: Blain | Jul 25, 2007 10:46:56 AM
Ruperet Everett doesn't make a good parent.... doesn't make a good actor... doesn't make much sense.
Posted by: Blain | Jul 25, 2007 10:48:04 AM
What an asshole. And such destructive comments. I read his "memoir". he's a shallow guy who thinks everyone is like him and that his world is representative of the rest of the world. I'd guess that het celebrities are no more fit for parenthood than he is, but at least they shut up and wait for their kids to write tell-all autobiographies as adults.
Posted by: Rich | Jul 25, 2007 10:48:52 AM
One nice thing I'll say: at least he's willing to escort really ugly women around, if they have a famous name and lots of money.
Posted by: Rich | Jul 25, 2007 10:50:00 AM
Since I am not a flighty, apathetic, twittering loser, I thought BECKS07 was a fool. Along with Rupert Everett.
Posted by: Gregg | Jul 25, 2007 10:54:13 AM
My partner and I live with our 17 year-old son. He never hears any "queeny rows" and he's not the least bit uncomfortable with having two fathers. He's a very popular kid at school, he has a girlfriend, and all of his friends (and their parents) are comfortable hanging out at our house. Granted, we are very lucky to live in Vermont where Civil Unions are legal, but apparently the world has changed while Rupert wasn't paying attention.
Posted by: Chesnut | Jul 25, 2007 10:56:42 AM
I, too, found the humor in his first comment. I don't think such a statement should be taken at face value or as an actual stance on gay adoption. It's up there with a "but who would wear the dress?" argument against gay marriage. Kids, breathe in, breathe out. Repeat as necessary.
Posted by: Anonymous | Jul 25, 2007 10:59:53 AM
Maybe he should have his balls cut off so he would not have to worry about becoming a father. We have two children a woman and a man and we also have five grandchildren (two girls, three boys). Perhaps Stupid Rupert should keep his comments strickly about himself and not others. May he is not fit to be a parent but after all he is an actor.
Posted by: pino | Jul 25, 2007 11:03:21 AM
Another self absorbed actor gives voice to ignorant brain waves. Someone plase tell him to shut up.
Posted by: kimmer | Jul 25, 2007 11:05:11 AM
he's a hag
Posted by: bigggnasty | Jul 25, 2007 11:13:05 AM
I read his comments to be sarcastic. The issue is the mainstream public will take them at face value; he should “attempt” humor on less volatile and divisive issues. As an out gay actor he needs to understand the mainstream media looks to him as a spokesperson.
Posted by: Rick | Jul 25, 2007 11:13:44 AM
How many strident posts have you made to a news organikzartion's blog about the Iraq policy today?
Lordy, there sure are some hungry vultures circling up there...
Posted by: Becks07 | Jul 25, 2007 11:20:48 AM
Another graduate of the "George Michael School Of Gay Generalizations".
Not going on the Rosie O'Donnell "Family Cruise", I take it...
Posted by: Rad | Jul 25, 2007 11:25:40 AM
He does not represent us all and he has a right to his opinions, but those opinions should be kept in perspective. He started out as a hustler for God's sake. I don't think he'd make a good parent either. Honestly, he's too in love with himself to love anyone else.
I have to say this also, does anyone here think he's goodlooking?
I have never thought he was nice looking, sure, he had a nice body at one time, but that face, NO WAY!
Posted by: Bobby | Jul 25, 2007 11:29:09 AM
jesus h christ.
have none of you seen him talk before, or for that matter met a british man, gay or straight.
it's called dry, self-depricating humor. it's what they do. it was funny.
and his issue with our "holydays" is spot on.
Posted by: nycredneck | Jul 25, 2007 11:29:41 AM
And who's that Muppet he's with?
She looks like that gelfling thing from THE DARK CRYSTAL.
Posted by: Bobby | Jul 25, 2007 11:30:14 AM
I'm sorry, what is he talking about? Did he say something? I was TOTALLY distracted by that horrific-looking drag queen or horror movie extra he was pictured with.
She's obviously taken far too many vacations on the sun and given WAY too many blow-jobs with those moose lips of hers.
He's not looking too good these days either. They both look like they sleep in a coffin.
Posted by: Jordan | Jul 25, 2007 11:42:43 AM
Bobby, the thing he's standing with is Donatella Versace. (And yes, she is hideous. You'd think with all the money she has she could do something about it, but alas she doesn't. Gelflings were cute; Donatella is not. She reminds me more of a wraith from Stargate Atlantis.)
Rupert Everett can speak for himself, and yes those Brits have a very dry and self-deprecating sense of humor, but given that most of the world will only read his words in print and won't have the benefit of vocal cues that indicate sarcasm, he has done the entire gay community a disservice.
Not only has he slammed us all as parents, but he's also insinuated that we're all a bunch of nelly, flaming queens. So that's a twofer for the haters.
I don't want to be a parent, but that has nothing to do with my sexuality. I just don't like children!
So..... I guess I am taking Rupert with a grain of salt, but am nonetheless aware of the damage his careless comments will cause to our image.
Posted by: Jonathon | Jul 25, 2007 11:48:05 AM
I agree that his comments were probably made in jest but unfortunately I think this is poor timing on his part. The right wingers are actively seizing on any comment by any gay person (or allegedly ex-gay ala Michael Glaetze) to substantiate their arguments about why gays shouldn't be allowed to adopt. A Spanish judge just yesterday removed children from a lesbian couple's home because he felt same-sex parents are unfit.
This is a very real issue for a lot of same-sex parents and something where these couples can face significant obstacles. While a joke, it was in poor taste and timing.
I see it similarly to not joking about airline crashes in an airport. The joke may be funny but it is disrespectful to people who may have a fear of flying.
Posted by: Ed | Jul 25, 2007 11:50:05 AM
People who don't like Christmas make terrible parents? Like, really?
Posted by: borut | Jul 25, 2007 11:55:36 AM
He's acting skills are mediocre at best. And he's not nearly as gorgeous as he thinks he is. It may not be for you Rupert. There's one easy solution to that. Don't adopt. And don't be so quick to judge others. End of story.
Posted by: Jethro | Jul 25, 2007 11:58:39 AM
Oh please... Rupert, shut up! As a hypothetical parent, you're not helping the real ones, like the family in Vermont; see the comment above (so inspiring thanks guys!)
Posted by: SeanR | Jul 25, 2007 12:01:13 PM
Everett is exactly right, with the caveat that he is talking only about himself. He just doesn't realize it.
He would be a terrible father because he is venial, catty, and unstable. He would never be able to hold back from a "queeny row" in front of his child because he simply has no ability to put someone else first. Similarly, he projects his mannerisms and personal qualities on ALL gay parents, because he is once again unable to put someone else first. The idea that other gay people may be different from him is too alien to really even consider.
Posted by: Zlexar | Jul 25, 2007 12:03:29 PM
As a possessor of dry, English wit I can tell you that Rupert's comments fall short of the mark. Note, they are not self-deprecating, which would be witty, but deprecating of all gay men, which ain't. I would also say that dry wit tends to play against stereotypes, not with them. Getting the vapors over screaming queens was probably not the way to go.
On a different note, why is he wearing a blond wig in this picture? And who is the man he's standing next to?
Posted by: Reginald Perrin | Jul 25, 2007 12:06:09 PM
Once a whore always a whore.
Posted by: monkey | Jul 25, 2007 12:10:15 PM
I doubt the comment was meant to be humorous. There's a decade long pattern of behavior that suggests otherwise.
Everett's been bitter and whiny since the 1990s - blaming Hollywood's 'homophobia' for his faltering career, calling gay men 'selfish' for his lack of partner, saying America would 'never accept' a gay actor in a straight role, and do forth.
Because you know, if Rupert Everett can't do it, it simply can't be done.
Posted by: John | Jul 25, 2007 12:22:12 PM
Oh, Christ. How surprising. A shallow, superficial queen thinks having children is a bad idea. Is anyone really surprised? I'm so tired of these narcissistic bitches who spend their time slithering around at fashion shows sniffing the coutured buttholes of their glamorous, monied friends and spouting off about how THEY think the world should work.
Although you might be surprised, Rupert darling, some people have a desire to nurture and love. Unfortunately, others (who shall remain career-less) live to sneer and denigrate. And also make horrid films. And write shit memoirs. And get cringe-inducing facelifts.
Posted by: Ted | Jul 25, 2007 12:37:11 PM
OH MY GOD! What a bunch of humorless gay people read this blog. We all know that there are wonderful gay and lesbian parents--Mr. Everett was just being witty and ironic--it's what the British do. I expect Leland to come in with some sort of humorless rant any second now.
Posted by: BIMBO_ERUPTION | Jul 25, 2007 12:37:36 PM
I thought that tired queen had died. YAWN retard.
Posted by: Otto | Jul 25, 2007 12:41:03 PM
had the same "who is the muppet with him" thought >_>
Posted by: anonymouse | Jul 25, 2007 12:42:46 PM
I can only hope he was kidding...
Posted by: Shabaka | Jul 25, 2007 12:45:00 PM
I can only hope he was kidding...
Posted by: Shabaka | Jul 25, 2007 12:46:51 PM
we suffered through the 80's and 90's for this piece of trash? Why give him a voice to say his idiot shit. He is not talented, and his face is so pulled back he can kiss his own ass-why bother with this trash?
Posted by: Otto | Jul 25, 2007 12:48:32 PM
This is not a subject for irony and the wingnuts will endlessly repeat his "sophisticated" blather over & over again. He's a shallow ass and not much of an actor. I'd rather see more of the "straight Rupert" (Rupert graves) who can actually act and can play more than one gay character.
Posted by: Rich | Jul 25, 2007 1:05:30 PM
You people need to learn how to read, no where in the link or the summary provided does this man give a position on gays in general parenting.
He is talking about his self, he knows he's a queen so that's what he would be like. Every gay person doesn't have to pretend to be a potentially good parent just so all gays won't look bad parents.
Stop making headlines turn into facts and actually read the quotes he gives, the headline should be Rupert Everett feels he would be a bad parent.
Posted by: M.L. Alberts | Jul 25, 2007 1:32:53 PM
Rupert would make the same parent as he is as an actor... terrible!! There IS a reason why he hasn't been cast in a movie in quite some time.
Posted by: mike | Jul 25, 2007 1:33:21 PM
maybe he just had dinner with that crud Stefano Gabbana...
...and isn't madonna looking kinda chimpy.
Posted by: A.J. | Jul 25, 2007 1:34:45 PM
M.L. Alberts: Exactly! There are so many knee-jerk mean-spirited reactionary posts here. All because the article is making it seem like Everett is generalizing when the quotes do not support that at all.
Posted by: RJ | Jul 25, 2007 1:44:52 PM
Yes, Rupert, most of us can indeed imagine having your two dads coming to school speech days. If you can't, you may want to give it a try at illustrating yourself by attending one of those, and when you see how the eyes of a child sparkle with pride and joy as they see, not one, but their two dads being there and supporting him; there you'll definitely won't need to imagine anything else; you'll just see reality right there in front of you.
Posted by: Cristian | Jul 25, 2007 2:05:43 PM
Guys. Really. Skip the title. Then skip the lead paragraph. Read what's between the quotation marks. Then Stop. C'mon now actually do it. Everything else in this piece is someone else talking.
OK. Now apologize.
Posted by: burnside | Jul 25, 2007 2:19:10 PM
I just can't believe he said this , it is so insulting. I am a straight woman , a fan .I loved his book , he's intelligent what the hell makes him think all gay people are like him? I guess he'd rather spend his time clubbing and at designer functions than with the real love of a family. Why the heck do they let him open the Mardi-Gras in Sydney? He is a typical British aristo. arrogant and without much contact with reality I am beginning to think.
Posted by: angie Cox | Jul 25, 2007 2:32:39 PM
Self-absorbed, prattling twit!
Posted by: JerzeeMike | Jul 25, 2007 3:19:18 PM
No-one in the UK really takes anything Rupert Everett says seriously; we all know that his tongue is always firmly in his cheek (or something...); he does it deliberately. We certainly don't expect him to "represent the gay community"; he is just one individual with an opinion; its trifling; here today, gone tomorrow.
Posted by: atheist | Jul 25, 2007 7:35:18 PM
reading these comments and their tone makes me wonder if he doesn't have a point about how the rest of the world views discourse between gays. If we are not used to his style by now (and god knows he has been around long enough) then we never will be. Perhaps his views are not as enlightened and objective as some might wish but he is at least honest about things and as one of the few out stars with any sort of profile he must at least be half way there and therefore not entitled to this type of venom.
Posted by: Arch | Jul 25, 2007 7:44:55 PM
I wish he would knock it off with whole tragi-camp thing. He is always telling some sob story about how hard it is to be gay, or how terrible other ppl treat him, or crying strait guys take all good roles, now this?
Posted by: lambman | Jul 25, 2007 8:40:43 PM
Oh yes, very dry English humor. I haven't heard such wit since Charles told Camilla he wanted to be her tampon. He's the 21st Century Oscar Sodding Wilde!
And now I'm off to watch Benny Hill reruns.
Posted by: notshrill | Jul 25, 2007 10:31:50 PM
My goodness, Rupert, I guess you never should have done that Madonna movie. You pathetic fag. My boyfriend and I have never had a "queeny row" and plan to have kids. You may, in fact, be a lousy godfather, and would make a crappy father...just like TONS of straight men who never had any business having children. As for me, I'll be just fine, thanks, and you keep your promise and don't procreate.
Posted by: So Left I'm Right | Jul 26, 2007 12:03:06 AM
I look at this thread and I think: "Parade of the Damned."
Posted by: Becks07 | Jul 26, 2007 2:20:20 AM
Becks. Second the motion.
Posted by: burnside | Jul 26, 2007 4:28:12 AM
If he thinks this he shouldn't stand in the way of everyone else trying to fight for equality. He's giving the conservatives what they want.
Posted by: Lou | Jul 26, 2007 6:06:18 AM
Typical Rupert. He's sarcastic and bitchy, but he's funny. Rock on.
Now, if Sir Ian McKellan screams for Rupert's head on a spike, well then call the angry villagers with flaming torches! *chuckle*
Posted by: Prick Up Your Ears | Jul 26, 2007 7:07:07 AM
By the way, what the HELL happened to Donatella Versace's face? Is it Halloween already?
Posted by: Prick Up Your Ears | Jul 26, 2007 7:15:51 AM
Good for him. Too many people are afraid to speak their mind on the adoption issue.
As a gay man and even if I were str8, I would not want children. I never have. I don't have that gene. I have friends who don't understand that and if you speak out you are being self centered and such.
Unfortunately I think a lot of gay men, along with str8 couples, adopt because its the trend.
Posted by: rock | Jul 26, 2007 9:15:56 AM
Whenever I see anything about Rupert Everett I am always reminded of my one encounter with the man himself. It was the mid-nineties and I was in my mid-twenties (which means Rupert must have been about 30 years old at the time). Now, during my twenties I rarely made good decisions about anything and one day I made the spectacularly bad decision to spend the weekend doing crystal meth with a tweaker neighbor upon whom I had a huge crush (no, I no longer do meth...it's evil). At some point in our lost weekend my tweaker neighbor, who we will call Keith because that was his name, suggested we go to a sex club. Again, I made spectacularly bad decisions in those days, so I agreed that was a good idea. Off we went.
Just after we entered the sex club, I spied Rupert Everett wearing a pair of camouflage pants and a beret. I thought he was hot (this was, after all, a pre-facelift Rupert). I did everything in my power to entice him, but he would have nothing to do with me (sigh). After a while, my tweaker neighbor Keith, found me in the club.
"Some old queen wearing camouflage pants and a beret won't leave me alone", Keith said.
"Does he have a British accent?", I asked.
"Yeah! Has he been bothering you too?", Keith asked.
"No, he hasn't, Keith. But that's Rupert Everett." I answered.
Keith's reply: "Who is that?"
Posted by: peterparker | Jul 26, 2007 9:57:27 AM
"One day I made the spectacularly bad decision to spend the weekend doing crystal meth..."
Now everything makes sense.
And most tweakers don't even know their own name -- why should we be shocked that your friend didn't know Rupert's?
Posted by: Becks07 | Jul 26, 2007 10:38:07 AM
I'm less offended by Rupert's comments and more offended that he thinks he can actually outdo the late Quentin Crisp.
That self-hating queen did it first, Rupert, and immensely better.
Posted by: mark m | Jul 26, 2007 10:53:35 AM
His comments got their intended effect - they got all your old queen undies in a bunch. I mean c'mon - he's desperate for some attention. Most old farts like him are. You've seen them all before at the bars, lurking in the corners like an old troll under a bridge, waiting for some weak or frail young thing to get seperated from the pack then -POUNCE!- they go in for the kill. But on the nicer side of things its really nice of him to take his grandmother out for a stroll.
SC
Posted by: Snottyboy | Jul 26, 2007 3:54:25 PM
You guys are STILL cracking me the fuck up ragging on Donatella.
...His Grandmother? Maybe his dead grandmother. God knows it looks like he dug her up. Where's her cigarette though? I've never seen her without one.
Honestly guys. This has been the most fun thread in a long time. Kids, no kids...who gives a crap? Give me Donatella anyday for a good laugh.
Posted by: Jordan | Jul 26, 2007 11:23:36 PM
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